Dementia due to metabolic causes

Definition

Dementia due to metabolic causes is a loss of brain function that can occur with abnormal chemical processes in the body. If these processes can be treated soon enough, brain function can return to normal. Left untreated, these chemical abnormalities cause permanent brain damage and dementia.

Symptoms

Metabolic disorders may cause confusion and changes in thinking or reasoning. These changes may be short-term or lasting. Dementia occurs when the symptoms are not reversible. Symptoms can be different for everyone. They depend on the health condition causing the dementia.

The early symptoms of dementia can include:

Difficulty with tasks that take some thought but used to come easily, such as balancing a checkbook, playing games (such as bridge), and learning new information or routines

Getting lost on familiar routes

Language problems, such as trouble with names of familiar objects

Losing interest in things previously enjoyed, flat mood

Misplacing items

Personality changes and loss of social skills, which can lead to inappropriate behaviors

As the dementia gets worse, symptoms are more obvious and interfere with the ability to take care of yourself:

Changing sleep patterns, often waking up at night

Forgetting details about current events, forgetting events in one's life history

Treatment

Treatment focuses on managing the disorder and controlling symptoms. With some metabolic disorders, treatment may stop or even reverse the dementia symptoms.

Medications used to treat Alzheimer disease have not been shown to work for this type of dementia. Sometimes these drugs are used anyway, when other treatments are unable to control the underlying problems.

Plans should also be made for home care for a loved one with dementia.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Outcome varies, depending on the cause of the dementia and the amount of damage to the brain.

Possible Complications

Symptoms of the underlying problem (such as loss of sensation due to a nerve injury from vitamin B12 deficiency)

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call for an appointment if symptoms get worse or continue. Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if there is a sudden change in mental status or a life-threatening emergency.

Prevention

Treating the metabolic disorder may reduce the risk of developing this type of dementia.